A PENSIONER who feared he might have cancer gave away his possessions and shot himself in the head with an improvised firearm, an inquest has heard.

A PENSIONER who feared he might have cancer gave away his possessions and shot himself in the head with an improvised firearm, an inquest has heard.

Shortly after the body of Irvine Nunn was found at his home in Hillside, Stowmarket, police cordoned off the scene in case there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

But an inquest in Bury St Edmunds heard how Mr Nunn, 77, had become depressed prior to the discovery of his body in his garden on March 5 and had told close friends how he was afraid he might have cancer.

Lying beside him, the inquest heard, was a firearm.

His body was found during the afternoon by his long-standing friend Michael Rampling and former paramedic Brian Gregory, the inquest heard.

Mr Gregory was able to confirm Mr Nunn was dead and a suicide note was later found nearby.

Greater Suffolk coroner Peter Dean said: “The deceased was found lying to the rear garden and there appeared to be a weapon by his side and an injury to the left side of his head.”

Any suspicion surrounding Mr Nunn's death were later ruled out by investigating detectives.

Results of a post-mortem found he died of a gun shot injury to the head.

Dr Dean said he was satisfied Mr Nunn understood and intended to take his own life and recorded a verdict of suicide.